Migrant Communities Needs Assessment
Immigrants in Ireland face unique barriers to healthcare – from language and cultural differences to limited access to resources – often resulting in poorer health outcomes. Drawing on both Irish and international research, this report endeavours to inform better healthcare policy and more equitable healthcare for all. This report explores the specific healthcare needs of immigrant communities, with a focus on cancer care, highlights key challenges and ultimately recommends opportunities for improving services across the system.
Key findings at a glance:
- Barriers to access: Immigrants often face delays in accessing healthcare – especially cancer services – due to limited GP availability, high costs, transport issues, and structural obstacles.
- Cultural competence gaps: Language and communication challenges impact care. More culturally sensitive services and training for healthcare staff is needed.
- Community collaboration: Partnering with immigrant communities and organisations is key to improving outreach and designing inclusive healthcare solutions.
- Mental health needs: Immigration-related stress, isolation, and lack of support networks affect mental wellbeing. Tailored, culturally aware services are urgently needed.
- Financial pressures: Immigrants are more likely to rely on public health supports and less likely to have private insurance. Policies must address the financial toll of chronic illness.
Looking forward:
Irish Cancer Society Recommendations
- Make healthcare information accessible with translated materials, interpreters, and multi-format resources.
- Build cultural competency through training for healthcare professionals on cross cultural care and stigma reduction.
- Strengthen community outreach to raise awareness of cancer services and preventative care in immigrant communities.
- Run inclusive awareness campaigns on cancer prevention, screenings and smoking cessation.
- Boost financial supports for vulnerable immigrants undergoing cancer treatment.
- Expand transport options by improving access to the ICS Transport Service and advocating for affordable travel.
- Address hidden treatment costs by researching indirect expenses like interpreters, childcare, and transport.
- Include immigrant needs in Sláintecare to ensure equitable access to health services.
- Improve health data collection to better plan and monitor services for immigrant populations.
- Partner with community groups to co-develop culturally relevant health interventions.
- Push for cross-departmental action on healthcare-related issues like housing, welfare, and childcare.
Government and Organisations Recommendations
- Fully implement the individual health identifier to improve coordination and delivery of care.
- Simplify medical card applications by offering forms and guidance in multiple languages.
- Ensure access to translated healthcare resources in various formats, with interpreter support.
- Expand cultural competency training for healthcare professionals across the system.
- Improve healthcare access for undocumented immigrants through a more inclusive regularisation process.
- Ensure stable, secure housing in Direct Provision.
- Provide culturally appropriate, nutritious food or self-catering options in Direct Provision centres.
- Guarantee professional interpreter services in all healthcare settings.
- Design culturally tailored health services to improve care and reduce stigma.
- Make public health facilities more accessible with language support and inclusive services.
- Mobilise community health workers to bridge cultural and language gaps.
- Offer regular health screenings within immigrant communities to catch health concerns early.
- Provide childcare in healthcare settings to improve access for families.
- Prioritise mental health care for immigrants, including culturally sensitive support and prevention.
- Expand the Patient Advocacy Service to primary care to support immigrant patients from first contact.
Read the MCNA Policy Brief here.